The Friendship House in Almaty recently hosted the International Forum “Chinese-Style Modernization and the Community of Shared Future between China and Central Asian Countries.” The event was jointly organized by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Almaty, the Xinhua News Agency, and the One Belt, One Road Expert Club. It brought together leading diplomats, scholars, analysts, and media representatives to explore the future of regional cooperation amid global challenges.
A Partnership Rooted in Centuries of History
In her keynote address, Jiang Wei, Consul General of China in Almaty, emphasized that cooperation between China and Central Asia traces its origins to the ancient Silk Road. This historic connection not only continues but has also evolved to reflect the realities of the 21st century. Under the strategic leadership of the countries’ leaders, this partnership has entered a new phase—deepening across political, economic, and humanitarian dimensions.
According to the Consul General, bilateral trade between China and Central Asian countries reached $94.8 billion in 2024 alone. China has become the region’s largest trading partner and a key investor. The China–Central Asia gas pipeline has already transported over 500 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Meanwhile, container trains—often referred to as "steel camel caravans"—now run regularly from China to Europe via Central Asia, powering next-generation logistics networks.
Chinese Modernization as a Model for Shared Prosperity
At the heart of the forum’s agenda was China’s unique model of modernization, which emphasizes inclusive growth, sustainability, and mutual benefit. Jiang Wei underscored that this model offers Central Asian countries a development path that balances economic expansion with social stability and environmental responsibility.
In an era of global uncertainty, China's approach of "peaceful development" presents an appealing alternative. “We offer not expansion but joint progress, not rivalry but cooperation,” stated the Consul General—a sentiment echoed by experts from Kazakhstan and beyond.
Aligning National Strategies with Regional Visions
A key theme in Jiang Wei’s remarks was the alignment of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the national development strategies of Central Asian countries. As Central Asia becomes a critical hub in transcontinental trade, harmonizing priorities will be essential for advancing infrastructure, industrial growth, and the digital economy.
Experts at the forum stressed the importance of building political trust and respecting the sovereignty of states, warning against external interference. Special attention was given to the concept of a "community with a shared future," where each country plays an equal role and where humanitarian exchange and shared cultural memory lay the foundation for enduring cooperation.
Academic Perspectives and Expert Insights
The forum’s plenary session featured leading analysts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Topics ranged from ecological civilization and the philosophical interpretation of modernization in Central Asia to the role of cultural ties and education.
Dr. A.M. Amrebayev, Director of the Center for Political Studies at the Institute of Philosophy and Religious Studies of Kazakhstan, emphasized the creation of a shared future as a new paradigm in international relations. Chief researcher Y.O. Bulukeyev noted that China’s modernization model could offer Kazakhstan a practical framework for achieving sustainable progress while maintaining stability.
Representatives from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan highlighted the need to avoid geopolitical confrontations and expressed support for a multipolar world order.
Looking Ahead to the Upcoming Summit in Kazakhstan
The forum served not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a step toward the upcoming Second China–Central Asia Summit, scheduled to take place in Kazakhstan this June. Jiang Wei emphasized that the summit will mark a crucial moment for solidifying existing agreements and setting new priorities for regional collaboration.
The Almaty forum reaffirmed that the partnership between China and Central Asia is built on mutual trust, shared benefit, and a common desire for peace and development. Tailored to regional needs, the Chinese model of modernization has the potential to become a driving force for sustainable growth and long-term political stability in Central Asia.
